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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 216


Page 216 of 510

Teaching sound topological tricks

The study presents a phononic crystal that enables robust topological states at three dimensions, allowing for diverse wave steering applications. The researchers demonstrated the ability to engineer negative refraction of sound waves and utilize topological hinge states as transport channels.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJul 12, 2021

India national school meal program linked to improved growth in children of beneficiaries

A new study by researchers at the International Food Policy Research Institute found that women who received free meals in primary school have children with improved linear growth. The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, the largest school feeding program in the world, has been shown to have long-term benefits on nutrition.

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2021

Immune system 'clock' predicts illness and mortality

The study found that a single-number quantitative measure, the inflammatory-age score, tracks well with a person's immunological response and the likelihood of incurring aging-related diseases. Blood levels of CXCL9, a cytokine secreted by certain immune cells, contribute more powerfully than any other clock component to the inflammato...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Aging·DateJul 12, 2021

Lead exposure and adult personality

Researchers surveyed over 1.5 million adults across Europe and the US to examine potential links between childhood lead exposure and adult personality traits. The study found that those with higher childhood lead levels were less agreeable and more neurotic, while those from areas with cleaner air were more conscientious.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

Fear of rejection vs. joy of inclusion: Faith communities from LGBTQ+ perspectives

A study by West Virginia University researchers found that LGBTQ+ people can benefit from faith communities, experiencing a sense of indescribable joy and relief from inclusion. However, the fear of rejection poses significant psychological stress, leading to 'minority stress' with detrimental effects on physical and mental health.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalSpirituality in Clinical Practice·DateJul 12, 2021

Sussex mathematicians develop ground-breaking modelling toolkit to predict local COVID-19 impact

A new modelling toolkit predicts local COVID-19 impact with unprecedented accuracy, using local hospital data to inform healthcare demand and capacity planning. The Halogen toolkit is available for other local authorities to use, enhancing their ability to predict infection levels and guide public health decisions.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 12, 2021

New technique reduces nicotine levels, harmful compounds simultaneously in tobacco

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique to alter plant metabolism, reducing harmful chemical compounds, including nicotine and carcinogenic N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), while promoting beneficial traits like antioxidant-rich anthocyanins. The findings could be used to improve the health benefits of crops.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Advanced Research·DateJul 12, 2021

Mapping extreme snowmelt and its potential dangers

Researchers mapped extreme snowmelt events across the US over 30 years, finding that unusually warm temperatures drive most cases. Machine learning revealed regional differences in moisture transport, with Pacific Northwest and northeastern US experiencing rain-driven extreme snowmelt.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJul 12, 2021

Urban areas with high levels of air pollution may increase risk of childhood obesity

A study of over 2,000 children in Barcelona found that living in urban areas with high levels of air pollution, noise, and traffic was associated with higher body mass index and a higher likelihood of being overweight or obese. The researchers proposed several mechanisms, including air pollution's potential to disrupt molecular mechani...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateJul 12, 2021

Naturally abundant venom peptide from ants can activate a pseudo allergic pathway unravelling a novel immunomodulatory pathway of MRGPRX2

A research team has identified a naturally abundant venom peptide from ants that can initiate an immune response via a pseudo-allergic receptor MRGPRX2. The study reveals a novel pathway for this receptor, showing P17 induces infiltration of monocytes at the injected site by activating MRGPRX2.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 12, 2021

People given 'friendly' bacteria in nose drops protected against meningitis

Researchers have successfully used nose drops containing genetically modified friendly bacteria to protect against meningitis, showing strong and long-lasting immune responses. The new method, which exploits the natural presence of non-pathogenic Neisseria lactamica in the nose, has potential applications beyond meningitis prevention.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 12, 2021